Evaluation of Web Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) in University Libraries of Pakistan

Abstract

This study evaluates the implementation and usage of Web Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) systems in university libraries in Pakistan. A survey was conducted among library professionals from 102 Higher Education Commission (HEC) accredited universities, comprised of 67 public and 35 private institutions. The majority of respondents (71%) had more than five years of professional experience and 92.2% held an M.Phil. or Ph.D. in Library and Information Science. Findings reveal that 63.7% of the libraries utilized free and open-source software, with Koha being particularly popular (70.6%). Approximately half of the libraries preferred the actual desktop interface (48%), while 45.1% utilized a modified version. Notably, 96.1% of respondents found the searching mode user-friendly, with Title (60.8%) and Author (22.5%) being the most common access points. Advanced search options were available in 63.7% of the libraries and Boolean search was the most favored feature (62.7%). Essential user record features, such as Issuance Record History (97.1%), Search History (94.1%) and Fine History (89.2%), were widely available. Additionally, 82.4% of libraries offered a reading material selection and recommendation facility and 73.5% provided a holding facility for tracking already issued books. Overall, approximately 50% of libraries lacked Web OPAC. Awareness of alternative software options and improved in-house IT expertise are necessary to enhance the situation. The findings suggest the need for increased engagement from top-level management to optimize library service delivery and user satisfaction across all HEC-accredited institutions in Pakistan. Moreover, the HEC should take steps to promote uniform software and federated search facilities for a unified database, as automated acquisition systems are mostly not functioning. Collaborative efforts from various stakeholders are essential to address these challenges effectively.